Opening of the ICRI General Assembly

The first General Assembly of the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) under the Monegasque co-presidency was opened by HSH the Sovereign Prince. This meeting will be held until December 7th, at the Yacht Club of Monaco.

In his speech, HSH Prince Albert II notably stressed: “International mobilization, the joint action of economic actors and states, international governmental and non-governmental organizations, scientists and local organizations, can lead to valuable results. More than ever we must remain mobilized and determined.”

More than 80 high-level international experts and coral country representatives gathered for this General Assembly, during which the ICRI Secretariat Action Plan (2018-2020) will be presented for adoption. This action plan aims to respond to the many human pressures that coral reefs face. One of the objectives of the Secretariat is to encourage the following:

Promote effective and evolving solutions to enhance the protection of coral reefs;

Understand the trends of coral reefs;

Control the trade of live reef fish;

Help reduce anthropogenic threats to coral reefs, particularly those that occur globally or regionally.

This General Assembly was preceded on 3 and 4 December by a workshop bringing together international experts to find common solutions to reduce the risks of climate change impacts on coral reefs and a workshop on climate change. experts on innovative finance.

The scientific schooner Tara continues to travel the Pacific Ocean in an attempt to unveil the biodiversity of coral reefs, an important factor in understanding major environmental challenges.
The collection of data that Tara collects during this two-year voyage is none other than an immense and unprecedented library of 40,000 samples that will make it possible to carry out the first global study of coral reefs on an ocean scale.
Initiated by the Tara Expeditions Foundation and coordinated on a scientific level by the Scientific Centre of Monaco (CSM) and Paris Institute of Science and Letters, this expedition will enable the study of an ecosystem essential to the equilibrium of the oceans.
The biodiversity of the reefs represents about 30 percent of the marine species in less than 0.2 percent of the total surface area of the oceans. Particularly threatened by global warming and changes, they are important indicators of the health status of our oceans.
Romain Troublé, Managing Director of the Tara Expeditions Foundation, said, “Tara Pacific, comprised of 70 researchers from 22 laboratories around the world, brings together their expertise to study this fabulous ecosystem and to provide an inventory for future generations.”
The contribution of the CSM is major: for nearly 30 years, it has developed methods of cultivation in controlled conditions that are still unique in the world.
"Among the corals we grow, three species are being precisely studied during Tara Pacific. Analysis of their genomes, thanks to Genoscope DNA sequencing, will serve as a reference for all the reefs studied throughout Tara's journey. We will be able to offer long-term expertise to many laboratories,” said Denis Allemand, Director of Monaco’s CSM.
Alongside the research institutes, the Tara Expeditions Foundation and its patrons, the Principality of Monaco has invested heavily in this project through the Prince Albert II Foundation. "Our partnership is not just financial support. It is above all a relationship of trust that has been consolidated during nearly 10 years of exchanges and which has made it possible to propose together technical and political solutions to the major challenges of the oceans “said Philippe Mondielli, Scientific Director of the Foundation.

Monaco-based animal welfare organisation TAF held its third meeting at the Maison des Association in Condamine this week…

Berit Legrand is no stranger to water; the Dane competes for the Monaco water ski team, although she is also a certified Stott Pilates instructor and has her blackbelt in jiu-jitsu. Berit founded the non-profit The Animal Fund (TAF) in March 2015 with a mission to protect, save and actively assist dolphins and whales that are victims of maltreatment, slaughter, pollution and overfishing.

A team of individuals with different cultures, backgrounds and work experiences, TAF is united in educating others of the danger and consequences of cruelty and extinction but to also report on progress made.

“It’s not just the whaling or dolphin industry that those beautiful mammals have to protect themselves against,” says Berit. “It’s indeed also pollution, climate change, loss of food sources, toxic substances and digesting of tons of plastic. What is there to be seen in nature if we ruin it all? And what will be left in a few years for our children?”

TAF’s meeting on Tuesday was attended by 37 people, and subjects of discussion included “shocking details” of how whales are spotted, tracked and massacred in the Faroe Islands, and the opening of a TAF branch in Luxemburg.

The next meeting is scheduled for September, with potential reports from the Plastic Group and the topic of over-fishing on the agenda. For more on membership, volunteer or donations, see www.theanimalfund.net